Returned from Canada only a few days ago [?] to find even the poorest quality wines very expensive. Appreciates his sharing Margaret Kennedy's letter about quality of life in England nowadays. Wants to show it to her niece before returning it. Hopes he will like the new book. Not true it was five years in the writing, since for much of that time she wasn't writing at all. P.S.: Has received a case of Sancerre Sauvignon 1938, from the Anjou region. Does he know it? Willa Cather [Stout #1501]
Keeps thinking about her and wishes she could write a real letter, by hand. Was saddened by Mary's telegram telling of Walter's [Carrie's husband's] death, but had heard how ill he was. Also heard how beautifully she was taking care of him. Remembers first seeing his picture in her watch case when she was going away to school at St. Mary's. Has spent a great deal of time alone this winter enjoying precious memories like that. Sees very few people besides Mary Virginia and Yehudi Menuhin and wife. Will write again soon. Hand is improving since going to Dr. Ober, a surgeon from Boston. Enjoys remembering evenings she spent with Carrie and Walter ten years ago, when they both gave her good advice. Willie [Stout #1534]
Has decided to allow use of "Paul's Case" because "The Sculptor's Funeral" is overused and not a very strong story to represent her. Will let Alfred Knopf decide whether to allow use of one of the stories in Obscure Destinies. Willa Cather [Stout #1554]
Was pleased with his letter because he writes in good sentence structure. His high school teacher must have taught him well. As to "Paul's Case," once had a student in Latin class who was nervous and always trying to seem interesting, always hanging around actors in touring companies. The part about New York reflects her own feelings when first there. The part about jumping under the train entirely made up. Understands his desire for beauty, but if he has that desire he will find it in the artistic treasures of the world. Willa Cather [Stout #1620]
Has to dictate this letter because of inflamed tendon in her right thumb; has hand in a brace again. Sorry to hear she had to escape Italy and leave her books behind. So sad to see the world destroyed like this. Glad to hear she thinks her [Cather's] books have stood the test of time. Especially glad to hear she still likes The Professor's House, which most people do not. Especially enjoyed writing it because of the structural experiment. Tried to use the Blue Mesa like an open window on the sea in a Dutch interior painting. Still remembers when they met, when she had read "Paul's Case" and came to call. That world is gone. Wishes they had been born in 1850 and missed the disasters of this century. Willa Cather [Stout #1666]
Has asked Alfred Knopf to see that no radio adaptation of any of her work will ever be allowed. Legal counsel believes they could win a court case over this. If people just listen they will forget how to read. Has been kept in town by illness of several friends; otherwise would be in Maine now. Willa Cather [Stout #1734]
Appreciates Elsie's letter from Hastings and is pleased to learn that Bess does not have cancer. The heat is terrible. Has been hoping to see a cooler, wetter forecast when reading about the Midwest's weather in the [New York] Tribune, but it never comes. Feel pity for all, particularly the elderly. Would say it's punishment for the world's latest ideas and ways if she were a Catholic. Very hot in New York when she was finishing the book [Lucy Gayheart], but didn't really mind thanks to cool mornings and Josephine's good nature and creative housekeeping. The typist [Sarah Bloom?] could not keep the purple ink from running and smearing the manuscripts. Had to send dirty manuscripts to both the magazine [Woman's Home Companion] and Alfred Knopf. Both are thrilled with the book. Sent draft to Jan Hambourg to check musical material and received cable in return declaring the book to be her finest one. Not true, but it has good form. All directed toward the end. Had to put it down for four months when it was going well or it would be even better. Is sending a check now in case Elsie needs something for medical expenses, since getting to Grand Manan will put her out of touch for a while. Virginia cried at news of Bess's illness and has fond memories of her. Paper says that Charles is in Red Cloud. How has the town reacted to Will Auld? Does Elsie ever see the Aulds? Amazed that Bess gave Tom money for school—cannot respect him. Elsie should use part of enclosed money to buy electric fans—was a great relief to have them in the Grosvenor Hotel. Feels guilty going where it's cool, but could not read proofs in the heat of Red Cloud. Fears Elsie thinks her selfish, but the many letters she receives indicate her books serve a purpose for many readers and give others something to gossip about. No matter how strong and charitable she was, she could not do more for people than that. Not that she writes them for that reason, but that is their effect. Integrity is always positive, regardless of the form it takes. With love and sympathy. Willie
Spent a comfortable, cool night on the train. Though it is hot in Denver, the elevation keeps it from being as stifling as Nebraska. Had a wonderful time with them in Red Cloud, though. Please send check to the La Salle Hotel in Chicago, where she will arrive on Monday. Edith will get whatever money Cather has on hand because she needs it after shopping in Denver, so is counting on check in Chicago. Father should know, in case she in Edith are ever in an accident, where important papers are—in safety deposit box 7032 in Garfield National Bank, 5th Ave. and 23rd St., New York. Isabelle (Mrs. Jan Hambourg) is the executor. Appreciates his constant kindheartedness with her and her friends, despite her occasional moodiness. Thinks each visit is a testament to their good luck, both in prosperity and in good health. PS: Isabelle's relationships with publishers make her the best choice for executor. Willie
Is very busy, but must write about Elsie's health problems. Is she taking the "mixed glands" pills? She should be, as all women, including Edith and herself, are taking them nowadays. Just in case, has included personal prescription for Elsie to use. Has had appendix trouble recently, but will wait until after Isabelle leaves to have an appendectomy. Isabelle is quite sick and is in New York to see American physicians while Jan is touring Canada. Take the pills! Willie
When in Paris last summer, ordered a piece of luggage identical to Jan Hambourg's, but recently received a nice one from the Knopfs', and since the Paris bag, which is actually a man's bag, has never been used, wants to give it to him for his frequent traveling. Though it bears her initials, that can be altered. Apparently her initials are in demand these days: a monogrammed cigarette case of hers recently sold for $25 at a Catholic church fair. Funny how things change: her smoking used to be an embarrassment for the family! Hopes he saw her poem in the May Atlantic Monthly ["Poor Marty," Atlantic Monthly 147 (May 1931): 585-587]. People seem to think highly of it. Has been nauseated for a few days, but mother is well. Willie.
